"You're very beautiful," he said, eyes opening, hazy. Icarus laughed at Helios, louder than was safe. "You don't have to flatter me. I'm alrea
"You're very beautiful," he said, eyes opening, hazy. Icarus laughed at Helios, louder than was safe. "You don't have to flatter me. I'm already starting to want you."
Art theft, a hint of greek mythology, and touch-starved teenagers learning how to love? Finally some good food. This was one of the sweetest, most heartbreaking coming of age novels I’ve read, with the protagonist living through a strange home life of forced thievery and rules against forming close friendships. Getting to watch Icarus slowly break away from the things he’s been taught to do, and finally let himself have those precious relationships his father warned him against had my heart aching the entire way through this book. Truly a beautiful story.
Will I continue to enjoy retellings without reading the original? Well yes!
Most Ardently is (apparently) a Pride & Prejudice retelling. While I can't Will I continue to enjoy retellings without reading the original? Well yes!
Most Ardently is (apparently) a Pride & Prejudice retelling. While I can't speak on its uniqueness or faithfulness to the original, I know I loved its characters so much that it makes me interested in the original story when I never before was. Here, Novoa portrays Elizabeth as Oliver, a transgender man secretly hoping to dress the way he feels inside. It is through one of his nightly escapades—sneaking away from the Bennetts and shedding his dresses for a suit and trousers—that he begins to feel a connection with Darcy, who doesn't realize Oliver is the same 'lady' he seemed to hate at the ball.
This was a delightfully binge-worthy and heartfelt book. Most Ardently brought me back to my love of reading after a month of reading nothing (i blame university). I shed a few tears, felt pain and joy alongside Oliver, and kind of fell for Darcy alongside him. There was an underlying sweetness to each of their interactions, yearning and all, which I adored. I fear I need to know what the original Mr. Darcy is like...
I loved Jane and Mr. Bennett serving as a continuous support system for Oliver. Even though things weren't sunshine and roses for him all the time, things never got too heavy because of their reassurances. My only complaint about this book is the slightly rushed ending; I wanted more of Oliver and Darcy and their relationship before everything was wrapped up! Ah, what a sweet book....more
“In vain, I love you; in vain, the dawn streaming onto you, beside me; in vain, I want to be yours, your angel. Angel of love, angel of Michae
“In vain, I love you; in vain, the dawn streaming onto you, beside me; in vain, I want to be yours, your angel. Angel of love, angel of Michael.”
Painfully beautiful. Flowery and lyrical. Eventually haunting, conveying subtle horror and a rage so deep it feels tangible. A million ways to describe this book, yet none of them feel sufficient. I usually expect biblical retellings to evoke strong emotion, though Angels Before Man accomplishes much more than just that; here, the fall of Lucifer unfurls in a way that makes the initial brightness of his creation feel blinding, while his gradual fall from grace evokes sympathy that later morphs into something dark and ugly. Binge-reading this book made it feel as if I was going insane with Lucifer’s punishments and the turning of his thoughts; it was impossible not to be sucked in by the gorgeous storytelling, and the terrible fate that Lucifer would pave for himself because of love and hatred. What a stunning book.
‘I feel aged. I feel as if you’ve aged me with your own hands, Michael. Ripened me, like a red fruit, at the edge of a branch, hanging at it’s peak. Beautiful—and just about to fall.’
The portrayal of Lucifer’s emotions in this retelling truly pried at my heart. The author takes their time describing the great splendor of Heaven so that it feels bright and cozy, with the timid and eager-to-please Lucifer fitting right in as the most newly created angel. It was hard not to grow attached to Nicolás’ depiction of the angel in his innocent early years, since Lucifer’s initial insecurities and slow learning to love (both Michael and more importantly, himself) felt painfully human. Of course, Lucifer’s slow descent into madness was also stunningly written. The author’s take on God harbouring jealousy towards Lucifer finding love was an interesting twist. Lucifer’s initial punishment was terrible, so witnessing the angel’s sadness morph into an ugly hatred became simultaneously terrifying and cathartic. After enduring the brunt of God’s wrath, it was expected that Lucifer harbour some genuine rage in his heart. The way the slow bubbling over of those emotions was written took my breath away. Such vivid depictions of hate, and the sprinkling of sin whispered throughout heaven to the rest of the angels by Lucifer's lips. Nicolás’ writing is truly some of the most incredible I’ve read in a while, and certainly well suited for biblical retellings or that of ancient mythology. I'm eager to read their future works.
“We could do it, everything could be ours—the most perfect of the host. I want to make new things with you, build something bigger than this mirage of eternal pleasure. Haven’t you ever wondered why Father is so strict about out subservience? It’s because disobedience is creation,” a shivering breath, “create with me, Michael, and let’s call it sin.”
Lucifer’s relationship with the archangel Michael was so innocent and beautiful in the beginning, it hurt all the more to see their bond crumble alongside Lucifer’s corruption. Michael was such a sweet character, and his initial efforts to help the young Lucifer love himself really resonated with me. While Michael weighs on Lucifer’s mind throughout most of this book, their relationship is largely unspoken, with some on-page affection, and a lot of obsession on the younger angel’s part. As someone who didn’t really know much about Lucifer’s fall from Heaven, I was completely enraptured in the horror of the angel’s mind, and the destruction of his love for the archangel as punishment for all that he’s done. Even the side characters were great, with Rosier (the angel of fruit) being a favourite of mine. This was, undoubtedly, a stunning retelling with a fantastic sense of atmosphere, and beautifully tragic portrayal of the fall of God’s favourite angel....more
Whatever changed between season 1 and 2 has me way more invested in this story. I became really emotionally attached to Yeon-oh after witnessing him tWhatever changed between season 1 and 2 has me way more invested in this story. I became really emotionally attached to Yeon-oh after witnessing him try to hold his family together while he dealt with the fallout of his father's gambling addiction, the loan sharks and his co-actors; he really could not catch a break for the better part Limited Run, so I'm glad it seems like the worst is finally over. And I'm definitely here for the incoming chasing arc on Jae-hyuk's part ...more
It’s been more than ten years since The Foxhole Court was first published, and we all know how late additions to previously completed series tend to gIt’s been more than ten years since The Foxhole Court was first published, and we all know how late additions to previously completed series tend to go. That is to say I’m amazed at how perfect and true to the originals The Sunshine Court was, even with the complete shift from Neil’s narration to a new dual POV between Jeremy & Jean. Dare I even say this was the best AFTG book yet? I don’t think it’s much of a stretch with how heart-wrenchingly jean’s trauma has been laid out, and how carefully his slow journey to healing is being articulated, with no sparing of ups or downs and an incredible support system surrounding him.
To me, Jean’s story is somehow even more sorrowful than Andrew’s, Neil’s or Kevin’s. That’s something I never thought I’d say, but the juxtaposition of Neil having excessive boundaries surrounding his trauma, while Jean has nearly none because it’s the only way he can bear the pain? Oh I’m a mess. And Jeremy…. the ‘sunshine’ court being his team’s nickname can surely be attributed to him, Laila and Cat, because the careful kindness they showed Jean as he struggled to, but finally (with their help) accepted that he didn’t deserve the Ravens’ abuse broke my heart in a good way. Jean experiencing true friendships paired with kind words and affection for the first time really meant the world to me. I felt like I was on the verge of tears for Jean for almost this entire book (cried in a few places too), but the emotional whiplash all felt worth it as he began opening up little by little to not only those around him, but to himself. The self-deprecating lies he’d forced himself to believe in order to make sense of the abuse he’d endured were finally crumbling, and I was beyond overjoyed seeing Jeremy and the others work him through parts of it. I’m rambling so much but god, Jean has my heart and I loved this book so very much.
Then there’s Jean and Jeremy and their very unsubtle (and sickeningly sweet) pining for one another. I know these two both have their reasons not to make a move, but the trajectory of their relationship is abundantly more clear than it was for Neil and Andrew in TFC. Jeremy’s care for Jean’s well-being is unabashed and at times, painful. He wants more than anything to see Jean heal from his unspeakable trauma, and he refuses to give up the fight even when things seem impossible. On the other hand, Jean’s care for Jeremy is the unspoken kind; Jeremy is one of the only people who’s shown Jean an ounce of kindness, and the unfamiliarity of it all means he can’t help the urge to fight against Jeremy’s tender heart. Their attraction to each other is undeniable despite all of the pain lingering between them, and I’m so excited to see how they’ll come together in the next book (I can’t believe we’re getting another)!
This is one of the most rambly reviews I’ve written in a long time, but forgive me, I just finished TSC a couple minutes ago and the emotions are still fresh. I’ll probably fix this review up tomorrow and add a bit more when my thoughts are more settled. Either way, what a fantastic book, and a more-than-worthy addition to the beloved AFTG series.
Before reading
I feel like this was announced yesterday, what do you mean it’s already out?? Thankfully my last exam is tomorrow; its time for a summer AFTG reread so i can get into this asap!! so excited :P
Just when I thought my years-long Foxhole Court phase was over, I find out about this. -and it's Jean's story. With dual POVs. Meaning Jeremy??? Lord help this fandom, it's over for us. (I'm insanely excited)...more
Now that I think about it, I don't recall ever not liking a hockey romance. I've read a good number by now, and even still, Winging It is for sure oneNow that I think about it, I don't recall ever not liking a hockey romance. I've read a good number by now, and even still, Winging It is for sure one of my favourites! Dante was the perfect balance of witty and real, lightening the story with his sweet personality and humour while also being such an emotionally deep character. Gabe was his perfect counterpart, experiencing a lot of the anxieties that often keep people from chasing after what they truly want. It was great seeing him overcome the fears holding him back, letting himself love freely while climbing the ranks of his team and playing some kickass hockey.
The romance was so rewarding! I'm almost certain that Dante and Gabe were together before the halfway mark, yet nothing about their relationship felt rushed, just natural. It was so refreshing to see Dante unafraid to dive head-first into their relationship without a sexuality crisis, accepting his feelings immediately since liking someone is liking someone, you know? Most of the tension in this story came from outside forces; its impressive how Winging It manages to maintain a generally lighthearted tone without omitting some more serious topics. What a great read!!...more
I can’t decide if this manga is more unsettling or sad. The subtle horror of an unknown creature being close to the protagonist is unnerving, though II can’t decide if this manga is more unsettling or sad. The subtle horror of an unknown creature being close to the protagonist is unnerving, though I can’t help wanting ‘Hikaru’ to stay by Yoshiki’s side if only for the comfort of his physical resemblance to his best friend.
It hurts so bad knowing that Yoshiki will never be able to confess his feelings to the real Hikaru, especially now that ‘he’ implied they were probably reciprocated while the he was still alive :( Getting to see Hikaru’s death and his last few thoughts really solidified the deep bond these two boys shared, though my heart suffered for it!! This is a great manga so far....more
“I will die. You will die. We will all die and the universe will carry on without care. All that we have is that shout into the wind - how we
“I will die. You will die. We will all die and the universe will carry on without care. All that we have is that shout into the wind - how we live. How we go. And how we stand before we fall.”
Golden Son and all its glory feels like a grand finale of a sequel; it’s unfathomable that five more books follow this masterpiece with how enormous the scope of Darrow’s story has already become. His harrowing journey towards tearing down the Gold society never sees a dull moment—both great success in his conquerings of war and the deep sorrow of losing loved ones shadow his climb to the top. Brown does a fantastic job keeping readers engaged without losing the balance between fueling hope and instilling grief. Darrow’s mistakes and the many betrayals he faces never completely eclipse his giant leaps of success, keeping tensions high while making for a damn compelling sequel with an insane end.
“Tell all who will hear, the Reaper sails to Mars. And he calls for an Iron Rain.”
Space operas are one of my favourite things to read, and Golden Son broadens the horizons of Darrow’s world enough to finally see the interplanetary war I’ve been anticipating. Pierce Brown orchestrates his battles with incredible finesse. The name ‘Iron Rain’ being used to depict planetary invasions where individual soldiers descend through the atmosphere geared up for war is enough to send shivers down my spine. This is a series I’d kill to see on the big screen, especially with how many grandeur fights unfold like paintings across a canvas, seamlessly and vivid. The political drama is executed masterfully, with every villain having their deep layers and twisted motivations. The scattering of plot twists range from heart breaking to adrenaline inducing, with each one drawing me even further into this already entrancing story.
“For seven hundred years, my people have been enslaved without voice, without hope. Now I am their sword. And I do not forgive. I do not forget. So let him lead me onto his shuttle. Let him think he owns me. Let him welcome me into his house, so I might burn it down.”
There’s something really astounding about experiencing the rise of a god narrated in first person. I can’t stress enough how much I love Darrow, and how wondrous it is to see such an untouchable, battle hardened man fight to keep hold of his soft heart. I adore the fact that Darrow allows himself to cry in the presence of those he loves, and never ceases to let himself love hard. Darrow's friendship with Sevro in particular is unbearably wholesome; though it took a while for them to reunite in this book, the scene where Sevro reveals he knows *everything* about Darrow nearly ruined me, especially with how Darrow broke down in tears and clung to the man. They make me want to burst with how much their friendship warms my heart! I’m praying Pierce leaves them alive ‘til the end….
There are so many characters that I grew to love even more than I did in Red Rising. Roque, Tactus and Mustang, despite their initially similar alliances, were made more interesting in that they each possessed some deeper motivation that would drive them towards divergent or even misguided paths. I didn’t feel that I fully understood Tactus until the end, when I could really feel for him. Roque, my little poet, has grown an even bigger mystery to me after the final cliffhanger. I want more than anything for him to mend his friendship with Darrow, though I fear if that’s even possible now. Mustang gives me hope in that she sees Darrow in a different light than anyone else; she’ll never hesitate to call his bluff. It’s safe to say all the Howlers have my heart.
Some of the new additions to the story also snagged my attention. Victra is awesome. Her unfaltering loyalty and unabashed flirting with Darrow makes it impossible for me not to love her. Ragnar is really great too. Norse mythology inspiring some of his character means I was instantly intrigued by him, though I admit I didn’t expect him to progress past a mildly significant background character. I’m glad to be wrong, since almost every scene he took part in was memorable. I can’t wait to see more him!
“Looking at her, I know I was wrong. She is not a distraction. She does not compromise my mission. She is the point if it all. Yet I cannot kiss her. Not now when I must break her heart to break this empire. It would not be fair. I’ve fallen for her, but she’s fallen for my lies.”
Darrow and Mustang’s relationship is immensely complicated to me. I like that Mustang is becoming a reason for Darrow to heal and move on from Eo. I like that they can be of some comfort to each other when the world around them feels crushing. Still, I need more scenes between the two of them before I can be fully on board with their romance. Oftentimes there’s so much tension between Darrow and Mustang that their feelings for each other become overshadowed by their individual restraints. I don’t know where they’re heading after the terms they left on at the end of Golden Son, though if they can have a good long heart-to-heart with each other, I think I will be really invested in their future together.
“Home isn't where you're from, it's where you find light when all grows dark.”
It’s crazy to imagine the next book surpassing this one in any way, though I’ve heard plenty of fans say Morning Star overthrows even this astounding entry in ways of character development and plot developments. I can’t not start the next book immediately after how much praise I’m throwing onto this one. Hopefully it’s as great as I’ve been told!...more
Reading this book as a high school senior about to graduate made it hit so hard. I started Henry Hamlet's Heart last night—expecting to get through onlReading this book as a high school senior about to graduate made it hit so hard. I started Henry Hamlet's Heart last night—expecting to get through only a couple chapters of what I thought would be mindless romance—and ended up staying awake till' 3AM because I just couldn't put it down. This is such a deeply relatable story for teens, representing the high school experience tremendously well. First loves, awkwardness, terrible parties and quiet conversations, all of it is beautifully done.
My heart ached (in the best way) reading about the mundane struggles and moments of brightness amongst Henry and his friends, especially when it came to his complicated relationship with Len, the best friend he's realizing he just might love. I don't know if it's because I read the entirety of this book in dim lamplight with the summer breeze filtering through my window, but the atmosphere in a lot of scenes was amazing. I yearned for the simple things Wilde was depicting, wanting to call up my friends and go late night driving or movie watching. It was like getting nostalgia for the present, which was honestly such a nice feeling. I adored this book....more
“In my greater and lesser moments, I fear that I must be fated for sainthood.”
Holy crap this book was so good. I don’t know how else to pu
“In my greater and lesser moments, I fear that I must be fated for sainthood.”
Holy crap this book was so good. I don’t know how else to put it, just wow. Everything I love about dark academia and adult fantasy was laid out in Cursebreakers so masterfully. The mental health representation across the board—particularly when it comes to our lead character—was so well done it had me in tears; Adrien has got to be one of my favourite protagonists ever. Thus is a truly impressive debut by Nakamura.
~★~ Characters ~★~
Cursebreakers follows Adrien Desforneaux, a magics professor with a dark past. Ridiculed by both his peers and students for a mistake he can never forget, Adrien’s mental health begins to fail him, with fits of akrasia and his ‘daemon’ tending to control him at the worst of times. When the military starts surveilling the academy on orders of a witch hunt, it becomes apparent that people across the city are falling mysteriously comatose. Adrien becomes immediately caught up in the conspiracy, with only Gennady—a young and broken soldier—posing as his reluctant ally.
────── {⋆★⋆} ──────
You know those books that hook you from the first line? This was definitely one of them. That quote above is the opening line of Cursebreakers, and in my opinion it establishes both a great sense of anticipation for the plot to come, and immediate intrigue towards the protagonist. I adored the almost pretentious quality to Adrien’s internal monologue, eloquent even when he felt like crumbling from the inside out. His self-destructive tendencies—paired with a keen sense of self-awareness—made it impossible not to root for his happiness and ultimate recovery. Nakamura does a spectacular job representing his mental health struggles (I was in so much pain) while leaving room for hope in the small moments that Adrien finds solace in friends like Gennady and Malise.
Characters are the lifeblood of every story I read. While Adrien alone was enough to maintain my interest, I was almost equally as enraptured by Gennady. Having a young solider (who’s ideals should oppose yours) follow you around and pretend to hate you? While they’re actually kind of eager to be your friend? It is such a sweet dynamic. The initial hostility between Adrian and Gennady dissipates into a really beautiful friendship, like a platonic enemies to lovers!!
Speaking of lovers….. there’s no real romance in Cursebreakers, but the unrequited love Adrien feels for his best friend is a constant throughout most of the story. It hurts so good, I felt tiny swoops in my stomach at some of the offhand lines Adrien thought towards him. The yearning. Wanting someone with your whole heart, knowing you’ll never have them…. I never knew the trope would hit me so hard.
This is an unexpected favourite for sure, but a new favourite nonetheless. Nakamura really did her thing… I’ll be looking out for her future works for sure!
Thank you to Netgalley and Red Hen Press for the arc!...more
It’s so nice to see Suwa encouraging Kakeru to seek out Naho, despite having feelings for her himself. Reading about such a caring, selfless male frieIt’s so nice to see Suwa encouraging Kakeru to seek out Naho, despite having feelings for her himself. Reading about such a caring, selfless male friendship is incredibly heartwarming!
There have been some new developments about the letters, and the possibility that Naho really can change the future. I’m worried that if Kakeru is saved, it could also mean Naho’s future marriage and child with Suwa are erased. But now, it’s been theorized that lives of their future selves who wrote the letters can’t be altered, though maybe a separate future with Kakeru can be created? I’m intrigued….
And that ending; Suwa is getting the letters too!! Surely he knows about his future relationship with Naho, and hasn’t made any moves in order to ensure Kakeru’s happiness. That boy is too sweet for this world, I swear…. I love Suwa so much!...more
The whole of this book was brilliant, but General Ouyang—that beautifully tragic soul—is going to stick with me for very a long time. I was so easily The whole of this book was brilliant, but General Ouyang—that beautifully tragic soul—is going to stick with me for very a long time. I was so easily swayed by his vibrant anger at the world, feeling the pit of sorrow in my gut widen as his story unfolded further. It’s hard to say why a character whose experiences I could hardly relate to resonated so deeply with me, but there was something really transfixing about Ouyang and his complicated grief that really hit me. I’m left nearly speechless just thinking about him.
Sorry for the brief tangent, onto the review…..
“Don’t look down as you’re flying, or you’ll realize the impossibility of it and fall.”
Our primary protagonist is Zhu Chongba: a girl that takes up her dead brother’s identity in a desperate attempt to escape starvation and her supposed fate of nothingness. Zhu carves herself a life as a monk, hiding her female body to convince Heaven that she is a man, that she is her brother Zhu, so that his fate of greatness may be fulfilled through her. Zhu's chosen journey guarantees hardship, she knows, though her desire is strong enough to begin working the Mandate of Heaven into her will. I loved the way Parker-Chan played with Zhu’s gender throughout the novel. Zhu is referred to with female pronouns in her own perspective, while outsiders refer to her with male pronouns as she successfully presents herself as a man. Eventually, these boundaries blur into a more ambiguous area, leaving Zhu mostly unbound by the trivialities of gender. The way Zhu’s best friend in particular processed learning of her female body made my heart melt. (Naturally, the line “you’ll always be my brother, no matter what’s underneath,” had me tearing up…. Xu Da you are a king).
“If you want a fate other than what Heaven gave you, you have to want that other fate. You have to struggle for it. Suffer for it.”
Our secondary protagonist, general Ouyang, has an entirely opposing experience with gender (one that shatters my heart). The dehumanizing way in which Ouyang is spoken to as a eunuch makes him feel lacking in a fundamental way; the world perceives him as less of a man, and more a thing for reasons entirely out of his control. Frequent emasculating and dehumanizing remarks fuel the blackening hole in Ouyang’s heart, one that turns him into a revenge-seeker and a misogynist (also due to the setting, 14th century China). He wants nothing more than to be seen as a man, though being overtly feminized by even those close to him is cause enough to spark Ouyang’s deep-rooted disgust towards women. Any love in Ouyang’s heart is hard-fought against revulsion, especially considering that the only man he can be accused of loving flaunts a perfect male physique that Ouyang can only yearn for. Oh, that painful love…. I saw someone remark that Achilles and Patroclus would cry for Ouyang and his would-be lover, a statement that ruined my life when that scene happened….
“He had done what he had to do, and in doing so he had destroyed the world.”
Despite She Who Became the Sun being largely character driven, the background of politics and war only solidified my interest in this story. I love high fantasy, and so the scenes in which Ouyang would plot military tactics or Zhu would strategize the outcome of her fate captured every ounce of my attention. Parker-Chan’s writing was perfect, neither overly pretentious or too simplistic. It took me a while to get into this story, but once I did I found myself reading at a slower pace, savouring each page and dreading the approaching end. I’m overjoyed that there’s a sequel on the way!
Alas… I have a single (tiny) complaint. Ma is such a sweet soul, which made it seem really out of character for her to sidestep her morals for Zhu in that last scene. With all of the betrayal littered throughout this story, I can keep my fingers crossed that she’ll have something up her sleeve in the sequel. In a sea of morally-ambiguous characters, Ma was the moral solace, so I do hope she sticks to her personal beliefs and remains unwilling to sacrifice that purity, even for love....more
Read this all in one sitting (it’s definitely not 1:30AM right now…) because it was simply too good to stop. The message is so touching; Arima’s storyRead this all in one sitting (it’s definitely not 1:30AM right now…) because it was simply too good to stop. The message is so touching; Arima’s story made my heart break, then melt by the end. Rest In peace to the author, this was such a beautiful piece <3...more
Watching Kaneki destroy himself for the sake of protecting his loved ones is killing me. Yet another volume overrun with artful violence and high tensWatching Kaneki destroy himself for the sake of protecting his loved ones is killing me. Yet another volume overrun with artful violence and high tensions. Even better yet was the confrontation I’d been eagerly anticipating: Amon and our beloved Kaneki (or… eye-patch). I’m still so eager for more!!...more
“Be somebody who knows pain instead of somebody who hurts.”
I’m blown away; this volume was incredibly horrific and just so damn great. Kan
“Be somebody who knows pain instead of somebody who hurts.”
I’m blown away; this volume was incredibly horrific and just so damn great. Kaneki has been through so much already, and seeing him tortured was the last straw for my fragile heart…. I hope he goes ham and murders everyone who’s ever hurt him.
Each scene between Kaneki and Jason was masterfully done. I wanted nothing more than for that sick bastard to die after the ‘counting’ scene, and well….. yeah! By far, the most engrossing volume yet (and that cover!!!) praying for Kaneki's health and safety rn....
This might be my favourite volume yet. So much cutthroat action and deception, balanced with heartwarming camaraderie and tender moments between my faThis might be my favourite volume yet. So much cutthroat action and deception, balanced with heartwarming camaraderie and tender moments between my faves Ash and Eiji....more
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